Glamping — an amalgamation of the words “glamour” and “camping,” for those unfamiliar with the term — has been the choice alternative for those wishing to be immersed among woodland creatures without having to sacrifice creature comforts. If sleeping in a tent and cooking over a campfire don’t sound palatable, luxurious cabins decked out with modern finishes and full bathrooms are just an Airbnb search away.
But then, there are other accommodations that take glamping a step further. Two destinations in particular — Lilla Norr and Getaway — have drawn social media fame for their eye-catching architectural designs and Instagrammable interiors. These spaces also get nods for offering truly off-grid and solitary experiences completely surrounded by wildlife and trees — and not another human for miles.
Should you decide to take a holiday from your office in the middle of the city, here’s a little more info on these two cabins available for your glamping pleasure.
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Lilla Norr
Where: Brook Park, Minnesota
More info: lillanorr.com
Run by the same folks who own Twin Cities-based vintage shop Arlee Park, Lilla Norr (that is, “Little North” in Swedish) is a restored 1978 A-frame cabin located on 5 acres of woods along the Snake River.
It’s a picturesque piece of architecture, with a black exterior and neutral color palette indoors, decorated with vintage furniture, including a 1970s Morsø stove and 1986 modular sectional by Carson’s of High Point.
Among the amenities are a walk-in shower; full kitchen with a GE refrigerator, electric stove, stainless steel oven, and cooking tools; AC, heating, and a wood-burning fireplace; and, yes, there’s Wi-Fi. An HDTV includes Netflix and Amazon Prime; there’s also a record player and Samsung Bluetooth sound system.
But, if you care for more unplugged forms of entertainment, the cabin comes stocked with books and board games. Roast marshmallows over the fire pit outside, nap in the hammock, or take in your surroundings atop the private balcony.
According to Lilla Norr, the property is meant to be enjoyed as is, and hiking and boating areas are a decent drive out from the cabin. Nonetheless, Lilla Norr sits in proximity to Banning State Park, Knife Lake, and the Vasaloppet Nordic Center, a great spot for skiing.
The Swedish inspiration comes from Mora, Minnesota — a sister city to Mora, Sweden — located about 18 minutes from Lilla Norr. The city has a distinctly Scandinavian flair with photo-friendly landmarks, including the Mora Klocka (or clock) and bell tower. Mora is also home to a theater, breweries, shops, and local restaurants.
Price per night at Lilla Norr is about $200. Keep an eye on the cabin’s website or Airbnb page, as owners release booking dates one to two months in advance.
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Michelle Watt © 2018 Michelle Watt
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Michelle Watt © 2018 Michelle Watt
All Rights Reserved to Michelle Watt.
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Getaway Piney Woods
Where: LaRue, Texas
More info: getaway.house/dallas
Cabin rental company Getaway has several campsites across the country — the closest to Fort Worth is Getaway Piney Woods in LaRue, Texas, which sits roughly two hours from here and 90 minutes from Dallas.
Engulfed amid towering pine trees, Getaway’s 40 cabins in LaRue are spread out across 99 acres and decidedly minimalist, offering single queen beds or queen bunks in one box-shaped space. There’s AC and heat, a shower and toilet, and a kitchen equipped with a stove and mini fridge.
Granted, there is no Wi-Fi — Getaway encourages disconnection, and each cabin includes a “Cellphone Lockbox” so guests can keep electronics out of reach.
But that’s the point, right? While you disconnect, enjoy a trek through the Wolfpen Hike and Bike Trail, take a canoe out to Cedar Creek Lake, fish Lake Palestine, or wander Beaver Slide Nature Park, all located about 40 minutes or less from Getaway Piney Woods. End each day making s’mores over a campfire just beside your cabin, and after taking an actual shower, curl up under the covers next to a large bedside window that makes one feel as though they’re nestled in the middle of nature.
Price per night at Getaway Piney Woods ranges from around $99 – $199 depending on number of beds and duration of stay. Something else to feel good about — for every cabin booked, Getaway will donate a tree to One Tree Planted. According to Getaway, about 15,000 trees have been planted so far.
If you need to escape a little further than LaRue, Getaway also has campsites in the Hill Country; Mount Vernon, Washington; the Catskills in New York, and others. Check the website for more details.